After a long and tiring day, there’s nothing better than winding down with a cup of calming herbal tea before bed. Herbal teas have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep, and there are many different herbs that can help you drift off to dreamland.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at two of the most popular and effective calming herbal teas for sleep and relaxation: chamomile and lavender. We’ll discuss the benefits of each herb, how to make a cup of tea, and some tips for getting the most out of your bedtime tea ritual.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep. It has a mild, floral flavor and is known for its calming and sedative effects. Chamomile is thought to work by increasing levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps to slow down the nervous system.
Benefits of chamomile tea for sleep:
- Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety
- Helps to fall asleep faster
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces nighttime waking
How to make chamomile tea:
- Steep 1 chamomile tea bag or 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes, or to desired strength.
- Remove the tea bag or strain the tea and enjoy.
Lavender
Lavender is another popular herb for sleep and relaxation. It has a sweet, floral scent that is often used in aromatherapy products. Lavender is thought to work by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Benefits of lavender tea for sleep:
- Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces nighttime waking
How to make lavender tea:
- Steep 1 lavender tea bag or 1 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes, or to desired strength.
- Remove the tea bag or strain the tea and enjoy.
Tips for getting the most out of your bedtime tea ritual:
- Drink a cup of tea about 30 minutes before bed. This will give the herbs time to take effect.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
- Drink your tea in a quiet, relaxing environment. Avoid using electronic devices in the hour before bed, as the blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep.
- If you don’t fall asleep within 20 minutes of drinking your tea, get out of bed and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy. Lying in bed awake can make it harder to fall asleep.
Which tea is right for you?
Both chamomile and lavender teas are effective calming herbal teas for sleep and relaxation. If you’re looking for a tea that is known for its sedative effects, chamomile may be a good choice for you. If you’re looking for a tea that has a calming and relaxing scent, lavender may be a better option.
You can also experiment with blending the two herbs together to create a custom tea that is perfect for your needs. For example, you could try blending equal parts chamomile and lavender flowers, or you could make a tea with one part chamomile and two parts lavender.
No matter which tea you choose, be sure to enjoy it in a relaxing setting before bed to get the most out of its benefits.
